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Mr. Guppy Proposes
Harry Furniss
1910
13.4 cm x 8.9 cm, vignetted
Mr. Guppy went down on his knees. I was well behind my table, and not much frightened. I said, "Get up from that ridiculous position immediately, Sir, or you will oblige me to break my implied promise and ring the bell!"
Dickens's Bleak House, The Charles Dickens Library Edition, Chapter 9, "A Morning Adventure," facing XI, 128.
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Image capture and formatting by George P. Landow.
"Not half a glass?" said Mr. Guppy. "Quarter? No! Then, to proceed. My present salary, Miss Summerson, at Kenge and Carboy's, is two pound a week. When I first had the happiness of looking upon you, it was one fifteen, and had stood at that figure for a lengthened period. A rise of five has since taken place, and a further rise of five is guaranteed at the expiration of a term not exceeding twelve months from the present date. My mother has a little property, which takes the form of a small life annuity, upon which she lives in an independent though unassuming manner in the Old Street Road. She is eminently calculated for a mother-in-law. She never interferes, is all for peace, and her disposition easy. She has her failings — as who has not? — but I never knew her do it when company was present, at which time you may freely trust her with wines, spirits, or malt liquors. My own abode is lodgings at Penton Place, Pentonville. It is lowly, but airy, open at the back, and considered one of the 'ealthiest outlets. Miss Summerson! In the mildest language, I adore you. Would you be so kind as to allow me (as I may say) to file a declaration — to make an offer!"
Mr. Guppy went down on his knees. I was well behind my table and not much frightened. I said, "Get up from that ridiculous position immediately, sir, or you will oblige me to break my implied promise and ring the bell!"
"Hear me out, miss!" said Mr. Guppy, folding his hands.
"I cannot consent to hear another word, sir," I returned. . . . [Chapter IX, "Signs and Tokens," 125]
Guppy's being rejected as a suitor here prompts him to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding Esther Summerson's parentage. As Conversation Kenge's law clerk thecallow youth actually possesses the resources and connections necessary to solve the puzzle. Thus, although he is an incidental character, he comes into contact with Lady Dedlock, but is frustrated in his design by the accidental destruction of some crucial papers.
Phiz's original illustrations involving Mr. Guppy: Left, for the third monthly part, In Re Guppy: Extraordinary Proceedings (May 1852). Centre, for the ninth monthly part,The Young Man of the Name of Guppy (November 1852). Right, for the Diamond Edition, Sol Eytinge, Jr., provided this portrait of the fatuous Guppy for Chapter 20: Mr. Guppy and his Guests (1867).
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Created 28 February 2021